To strengthen data security and protect sensitive information, UW will introduce sensitivity labels for files stored in SharePoint and OneDrive, effective April 21, 2025. Additionally, file-sharing limitations will be applied to certain sensitive data types. These sensitivity labels align with UW’s data classification framework and have been endorsed by the IT Security and Privacy Board to minimize risk.
Sensitivity labels are a new way to classify and protect data within Microsoft 365 applications. These labels help ensure that sensitive information is appropriately secured while still allowing authorized users to access necessary files. Key features include:
- Automatic and Manual Labeling: Labels classify documents based on content sensitivity and can be applied automatically by Microsoft or manually by users when creating or saving a file in OneDrive and SharePoint.
- Enhanced Sharing Security: Documents containing sensitive data, such as Social Security Numbers or credit card details, will have restrictions on sharing to prevent unauthorized access.
- Seamless Integration: Users can view, apply, and modify labels directly in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, both on desktop and web apps.
Implementing sensitivity labels will:
- Improve Data Protection: Ensures that sensitive information is properly classified and secured.
- Automate Security Measures: Reduces manual efforts by automatically detecting and labeling sensitive data.
- Simplify Data Management: Helps users navigate data classification with minimal disruption to their workflows.
No action is required at this time or in April when the labels roll out. However, you will notice changes such as:
- Most files in OneDrive and SharePoint being automatically labeled based on their content.
- The ability to apply and modify labels within Microsoft Office applications.
- Certain sensitive files having sharing restrictions to enhance security.
Learn More and Get Support
For more details on managing sensitivity labels and sharing permissions, visit our Sensitivity Labels and Data Classification page.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact help@uw.edu with “Data Classification” in the subject line.